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Immunomodulator effect of topical zinc oxide application in tuberculin skin test

Cagatay Nuhoglu1, Evrim Hepkaya1, Zehra Esra Onal1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Northern Clinics of Istanbul
|April 3, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Topical zinc cream application enhanced the sensitivity of the tuberculin skin test (TST) in diagnosing tuberculosis in children. This method improved the reliability of TST results for tuberculosis diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

  • The tuberculin skin test (TST) is a crucial diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB).
  • Improving the sensitivity and reliability of TST is essential for accurate TB diagnosis, especially in pediatric populations.
  • The role of micronutrients like zinc in modulating immune responses warrants investigation for diagnostic enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of topical zinc application in enhancing the sensitivity of the TST.
  • To assess whether topical zinc can improve the diagnostic reliability of the TST for tuberculosis.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 100 children aged 6-14 years was conducted.
  • Children received a TST (purified protein derivative-PPD).
  • 40% zinc oxide cream was applied to one forearm, with a placebo applied to the other, followed by measurement of PPD indurations after 72 hours.

Main Results:

  • Topical zinc application led to increased PPD indurations in 26% of the children.
  • No significant correlation was observed between the size of PPD indurations and serum zinc levels.
  • Plasma zinc levels were analyzed after a 10-12 hour fast.

Conclusions:

  • Topical zinc cream application can significantly enhance the sensitivity of tuberculin reactivity.
  • This enhancement suggests a potential improvement in the diagnostic accuracy of TST for tuberculosis.
  • Topical zinc may serve as an adjunctive method to improve TST performance in diagnosing TB.
Abstract

Keywords:
Purified protein derivativetuberculin skin testzinc

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